Kenya on high alert after Al-Shabaab threats

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Kenya's military officers in Somalia on February 11, 2017, who were fighting the Shabaab under Amisom. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

NAIROBI, Kenya - Authorities in Kenya are on high alert following Al-Shabaab threats, even as the group continues to lose ground in the neighbourhoods, after an intensive security crackdown spearheaded by the Somali National Army (SNA).

Kenya is one of the soft targets of the Al-Shabaab given the presence of its troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The al-Shabaab has often waged spontaneous attacks in Nairobi and the northeastern parts of the country.

The National Police Service spokesperson Resila Onyango said the public should be assured of its safety following credible warning over possible Al-Shabaab raids in the country. The group also plans to raid several other regions across East Africa.

The spokesperson said in a statement issued over the weekend in Nairobi that police officers deployed nationwide remain alert to protect the country, which has faced increased terror threats from al-Shabab.

She asked the public to cooperate with the police by reporting dubious activities in their areas and any persons of interest for quick action. Police have also been asked to be vigilant in strategic areas across the country to avert any possible terror activity.

“The National Police Service is working closely with other security agencies at national, regional, and international levels as well as members of the public, through intelligence-led policing,” Onyango said.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom have warned their nationals over possible Alshabaab attack in Kenya. They were asked to be on the lookout for potential kidnappings and attacks on areas frequented by tourists.

The US stressed the importance of its citizens staying vigilant and adjusting their security plans, warning that terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning. The al-Shabaab has lost several strategic towns across Somalia for the last two years.

GAROWE ONLINE

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